Iron County Farmers Market
The Best Way to Support U.P. Locals
In Minnesota's Twin Cities, farmers markets, craft fairs, and festivals are everywhere. Some, like the St. Paul Farmers Market, run year-round, so you can still find handmade and homegrown goods even in the depths of winter. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.), however, has markets that reflect its rural character and the communities they serve.
Yooper Farmers and Creators
The soil this far north is mostly rock and iron, not ideal for large-scale farming. But local Yoopers have learned to make the most of their land with garden plots and small livestock, like chickens. Around Ironwood, during harvest season, you can find a farmers market almost every day within a 25-mile radius of Iron County.
These markets offer everything from green beans, lettuce, and carrots to fresh-baked bread, artisan goods, and candies, my personal favorite. For the first couple of months I lived in the U.P., I spent little money at the grocery store, instead directing most of my budget to the market for fresh produce. Some vendors visited every market daily, while others stuck to the ones closest to home. But you could almost always count on familiar faces at their usual spots every week from June until they ran out of produce.
Finding Your Favorites
Over the season, I became a regular at a few stalls, mostly because I could count on them to have my seasonal favorites. I usually arrived near the end of the market due to work, and many produce vendors would send you home with a little extra than take stock back home. It was a win-win for everyone. there are normally about 7-10 booths at the market. Most have locally grown produce like potatoes, apples, peppers, and herbs if you are lucky.
The markets aren’t just about produce. Some local makers are treasures in their own right. One vendor consistently had knitted dish rags I use daily, cozy blankets I gifted to friends, and other small goodies, like honey, maple syrup, and jewelry perfect for holiday gifts. Woodworkers, photographers, and graphic artists occasionally set up displays, adding to the unique small town vibe of these markets.
Other vendors specialized in breads, treats, and candies, and I quickly became addicted to fresh bakery items. Between the local bakery just five minutes from me and all of the market goodies, grocery store bread rarely made it into my kitchen. And the candies? Nothing beats small-batch, fresh candies.
Bear Hug Farms
One of my favorite stalls to visit is Bear Hug Farms (BHF) and their Puff and Munch line of freeze-dried candies. BHF is , from what i gather, a small homestead in Iron County that creates sweet treat loaves with whole, fresh ingredients, sometimes even fresh eggs from her chickens and my favorite freeze dried candy.
They take sweets like Skittles, taffy, and Jolly Ranchers and transform them into crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth delights that are insanely addictive. Also, Last Christmas, I ordered their cookie platter, three dozen delicious festive cookies, and I’ll definitely be doing it again this year.
Many vendors from the summer markets reappear at holiday markets after the Iron County Farmers Market season wraps up in October, ensuring that fresh, local goods are available even as the seasons change.
3 U.P. Farmers Market Shopping Tips
From June to October, I keep my fridge stocked with the best homegrown fruits and vegetables, without needing to grow them myself. The selection changes with the seasons, so it helps to be aware of what’s available at different times.
Cash is King
Why would you go to a farmers market with a credit card? You just wouldn't expect farmers to take your plastic. For the Iron County Farmers Market, I usually budget $40–$60 CASH for the week. Remember, there are markets most weekdays so I go on the days I need a restock, not necessarily a “particular” day.
Don’t Get Too Specific
There are normally tons of options, but depending on the season, some things might be more abundant than others. Either be smart enough to know what’s in season, or flexible enough to make something out of what you find. For example, you’ll almost always find potatoes, but berries have a pretty short season anywhere.
It’s Going to Look Like a Ghost Town
The majority of the cars in the parking lot will most likely be vendors. This isn’t a bad sign. Like I’ve mentioned, there are a lot of markets during the week. The population here is small (and dwindling, please move here). People tend to go to the market closest to them, splitting the already small crowds into just neighborhood locals.
You Can’t Go Wrong
You honestly can’t go wrong with anything you find at the Iron County Farmers Markets throughout the season. You get to shop knowing you’re getting the freshest produce and handcrafted goods made with care. By supporting these markets, you’re supporting the local economy, and a Yooper living their best life, whether they’re growing, harvesting, or creating.
